The Blessing of Forgiveness
Are you blessed? David says in Psalm 32 that the person whose transgressions and sins are forgiven is truly blessed. There is real joy and delight in knowing that God has forgiven His people their sins. David says that we commit transgression and sin (32:1). Transgression is open rebellion against God; knowing the right way and not doing what is right. Sin is failure to stay on the right path, or missing the mark. The mark or right way is the standard set forth by God in His word. Paul says in Romans 3:23 that every person is a sinner and is in need of forgiveness.
David continues with another aspect of God’s blessing for believers (32:2). There is no condemnation for those that have been forgiven. Paul echos this in Romans 8:1, “...there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” David says that God does not “impute” iniquity to the believer (32:2). Impute means to “reckon.” It is an accounting term that has to do with keeping a record. God does not keep a record of wrongs for those that hang been forgiven. In Romans 4, Paul says that God reckons righteousness to those that believe in Christ, and no longer reckons their sin to them.
Asking for forgiveness must be done without deceit (32:2). If the sinner denies his sin or tries to hide it, then they are demonstrating a lack of true repentance. Repentance means honestly confessing your sin, and is a necessary qualification for forgiveness. Brethren, there is great blessing in confessing your sin and receiving His forgiveness. Confess your sin, ask for God’s forgiveness, and rest knowing that He immediately forgives His children.